Goodwater, AL
Population 1,375 · Alabama
About Goodwater, AL
Goodwater is a small town located in Alabama with a population of 1,375 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,938 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Goodwater features a median home value of $81,900, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Goodwater one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $607, 48% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 814 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (332 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (237 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Goodwater shows an unemployment rate of 9.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 39.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Goodwater have an average one-way commute time of 33.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
5.0% of Goodwater residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Goodwater, AL
Compared to national averages, Goodwater has a median household income of $36,938 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $81,900, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $607 is 48% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Goodwater's income is 36% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 49% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Goodwater, AL?
Goodwater offers affordable housing with a median home value of $81,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $607/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,938) that falls below the national average. However, Goodwater’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Goodwater has a population of 1,375 with a median age of 50.2 years. Compare Goodwater with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Goodwater
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Ridge | 1,375 | $124,875 | $294,500 | Compare |
| Shoal Creek | 1,371 | $165,625 | $787,500 | Compare |
| Cleveland | 1,366 | $69,087 | $165,200 | Compare |
| Clio | 1,393 | $29,781 | $60,400 | Compare |
| Webb | 1,398 | $48,102 | $109,000 | Compare |
| Geraldine | 1,340 | $62,768 | $199,400 | Compare |
| Grant | 1,410 | $88,571 | $222,200 | Compare |
| Mount Vernon | 1,339 | $41,250 | $114,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Goodwater With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Goodwater
What is the population of Goodwater, AL?
The population of Goodwater, AL is 1,375 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Goodwater?
The median household income in Goodwater, AL is $36,938 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Goodwater?
The median home value in Goodwater, AL is $81,900, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Goodwater?
The median monthly rent in Goodwater, AL is $607, which is 48% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Goodwater?
The unemployment rate in Goodwater, AL is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Goodwater, AL a good place to live?
Goodwater offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,375 and a median age of 50.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Goodwater, AL?
5.0% of residents in Goodwater aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Goodwater?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Goodwater, AL: median home value is $81,900 (67% below national), median rent is $607/month, and median household income is $36,938. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Goodwater?
The poverty rate in Goodwater, AL is 39.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Goodwater, AL?
Goodwater's population is 0.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 84.4% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.